DE102019106767A1 - Arrangement for decontaminating a surface of objects and method for decontaminating a surface of objects - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement and a method for decontaminating surfaces (2S) of objects (2) with reactive species (21) are disclosed. A plasma generator (1), in which active species (21) are generated, is provided in a contact chamber (10). The active species (21) are released into the contact chamber (10) via a dispenser valve (14) of the plasma generator (1). 2) precipitates.

Description

The present invention relates to an arrangement for decontaminating at least one surface of at least one object. The arrangement comprises a plasma generator to which at least one input, one output and one energy source are assigned.

The invention also relates to a method for decontaminating a surface of at least one object with reactive species.

In industry plasma processes are currently u. a. used in medical technology, material production and lighting technology. In principle, the use of plasma allows microbial contaminants to be reduced at low temperatures, with the effect primarily being achieved on the surfaces. The first series of tests on a laboratory scale for plasma application in the food sector are mainly investigating possibilities for inactivating undesirable microorganisms in heat-sensitive foods, since conventional thermal decontamination processes cannot be used or can only be used to a limited extent for products such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat or eggs. The plasma application is also a potential alternative to other chemical (e.g. use of chlorine) or physical (e.g. high pressure, high voltage pulses, ionizing radiation) processes. The advantages of the plasma process include: a. high effectiveness at low temperatures (generally <70 ° C); targeted and consumption-based provision; little influence on the inner product matrix; water-, solvent- and residue-free as well as resource-efficient application. Other methods, such as high pressure and / or ionizing radiation, are complex or costly. Decontamination with UV light is often ineffective and is limited by shadow effects.

The German patent application DE 10 2008 037 898 A1 relates to a method and a device for disinfecting or sterilizing packaging material and / or containers and / or filter material, the material or the container being treated with a gas generated in a plasma reactor. The plasma treatment results in a significantly improved disinfection of corresponding materials, in particular packaging materials and / or containers for packaging and / or storage of food, beverages and other hygienically sensitive substances. Finally, the use of plasma for treating such materials or containers as well as appropriately treated materials or containers is proposed.

The German patent application DE 100 36 550 A1 relates to a sterilization process in which the surface to be treated is exposed to a gas discharge and in which the sterilization is carried out in a gas atmosphere containing hydrogen and oxygen at a pressure of 10-4 · Pa to 2 × 10-5 · Pa. The method can be used for the sterilization of packaging materials, e.g. B. use food packaging or labels, but also for the sterilization of surfaces for medical and / or biological and / or biotechnological applications.

The German patent application DE 10 2015 119 369 A1 relates to a device as well as a system and a method for treating an object, in particular one or more free-form bodies, with plasma. The device is used to treat an object with plasma and comprises a casing device with which a substantially gas-tight receiving space is or can be configured, in which an object to be treated can be received. Furthermore, the device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, the two electrodes being arranged in relation to the casing device in such a way that when an electrical potential difference is applied to the electrodes, a plasma can be generated in the receiving space of the casing device.

The European patent application EP 3 085 244 A1 discloses a non-thermal plasma reactor for the sterilization of organic products.

The US patent application US 2017/112157 A1 discloses a method of treating a surface with a reactive gas. The reactive gas is produced from cold plasma at high voltage from a working gas (HVCP).

The German patent application DE 10 2014 213 799 A1 discloses a household refrigerator with a food processing unit and a method for operating such a household refrigerator. The household refrigerator is provided with an interior space for receiving food, which is delimited by the walls of an inner container. Furthermore, a food treatment unit is provided, wherein the Food treatment unit for acting on a surface of food brought into the storage area, arranged in the household refrigeration device and designed so that the action is a decontamination of pesticides and / or heavy metals in the food.

The German patent application DE 10 2005 061 247 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for sterilizing food. The food is exposed to at least one atmospheric plasma jet. The energy contained in the plasma jet disinfects the surface of the food.

The German patent application DE 10 2009 025 864 A1 discloses a method for disinfecting products that are present as solids. The product to be sterilized is first dedusted, then exposed to a cold plasma and turned over during the plasma treatment. A device for performing this method is also disclosed.

The German patent application DE 10 2015 204 753 A1 relates to a method for gluing a substrate surface of a substrate to an adhesive surface of an adhesive. A low-temperature plasma is generated in a low-temperature plasma generator. The substrate surface and / or the adhesive surface are activated with the low-temperature plasma. Thereafter, the substrate surface and the adhesive surface are layered on top of one another to form an adhesive bond.

The invention is based on the object of providing an arrangement for the decontamination of surfaces of at least one object, the thermal load on the objects being low or negligible and yet the entire surface of each object being reached for decontamination.

The above object is achieved by an arrangement for decontaminating a surface of at least one object which comprises the features of claim 1.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic method for the decontamination of surfaces of at least one object, the thermal load on the objects being low or negligible and yet the entire surface of each object being reached for decontamination.

The above object is achieved by a method for the decontamination of surfaces of objects with reactive species which comprises the features of claim 6.

According to the invention, the arrangement for decontaminating a surface of at least one object comprises a plasma generator to which at least one input, one output and one energy source is assigned. A contact chamber of the arrangement is fluidly connected to at least one metering unit of the plasma generator. Depending on the type of treatment of the object, the dosing unit can be a plasma generated in the plasma generator, radiation, long-lasting radicals and metastable and inhibitory substances or exclusively reactive species. Another dosing unit is fluidly connected to the plasma generator via the at least one inlet. Substances which are used to generate reactive species or long-lived radicals and metastable substances can thus be fed to the plasma generator. A support for receiving the object to be treated is provided in the contact chamber. The support is arranged opposite the dosing unit so that the reactive species exiting the dosing unit in a controlled manner can form a uniform condensate film on the surface of the object.

The reactive species entering the contact chamber from the dosing unit have a dew point temperature that is greater than an object temperature. An energy source is assigned to the plasma generator, with which the temperature in the plasma generator can be set. The energy source and the metering unit are connected to a control of the arrangement so that the dew point temperature of the reactive species can be adjusted as required.

So that uniform condensation of the reactive species is also possible on the surface of the object, the support can be a movement device for receiving the object in the contact chamber. The moving device moves the object in such a way that the uniform condensate film from the reactive species can be formed on the surface of the object.

A distance between the object lying on the support or on the movement device and the dosing unit can be set. This allows that which is positioned on the support and to be treated Object can be positioned in relation to the dosing unit. This allows you to set different treatment modes for the object.

According to a possible embodiment, the plasma generator can be provided outside the contact chamber.

The method according to the invention for the decontamination of surfaces of objects with reactive species is characterized in that at least one object is initially positioned on a support in a contact chamber. Subsequently, selected substances for the treatment of the object are fed to a plasma reactor by a dosing unit, with reactive species being formed therefrom in the plasma reactor. The reactive species can be brought into the contact chamber via a further dosing unit assigned to the plasma reactor, an inlet mixture and the dew point temperature being set via the dosing unit. A control is provided which is connected to the plasma reactor, an energy source for the plasma reactor and also the dosing unit. As a result, the dew point temperature of the reactive species at the transition from the dosing unit to the contact chamber can be set in such a way that the dew point temperature is greater than a temperature of the object, so that a uniform condensate film is formed on the surface of the object.

The method according to the invention has the advantage that effective and, essentially, safe decontamination is achieved in all areas of the surface of the object due to the uniform deposition of the condensate film on the surface of the object.

The decontamination is supported by a movement device with which the at least one object to be treated is moved during the treatment period with the reactive species. The movement of the object supports the formation of a uniform film of condensate of the reactive species on the surface of the object and, parallel to this, all surface areas of the object are reached.

An energy source is assigned to the plasma generator, with which the temperature in the plasma generator is stabilized by additional heating or cooling. This is also beneficial for the formation of the uniform condensate film, since the dew point temperature can be adjusted as required.

After treating the object with the reactive species, the object can be placed in a door lock to dry. The lock is provided with an additional heating / cooling system with which the temperature for drying in the door lock can be set. This allows the drying process to be optimally adapted to the conditions of the property.

To control and regulate the decontamination, a control unit with several elements for setting and / or maintaining the conditions in the contact chamber is communicatively connected. The elements include, without being limited thereto, the dosing unit, the circulation fan, the further dosing unit, the plasma generator, the energy source of the plasma generator, at least one sensor, the drive unit for the movement unit, the heating / cooling unit, the filter unit and the door lock.

definition

Decontamination in connection with the present invention is the removal of dangerous or harmful impurities (contaminations) from people, objects, such as. B. Food, clothing, plants, animals, soil, solids, liquids.

The harmful impurities can be of a chemical or biological nature. Particularly noteworthy are: toxic, organic compounds, microorganisms of all kinds (viruses, bacteria, fungi, spores, primitive parasites).

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer möglichen Auswahl von Substanzen (organische Substanzen), die auf der Oberfläche des Objekts vorhanden sein können;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung der Behandlung eines Objekts mit einem Plasma und dessen Überführung an die Umgebung;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung zum Behandeln von Objekten mit einem Plasma bzw. reaktiven Spezies;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Objekts mit einem aus der Oberfläche kondensierten Kondensatfilm;
• 5 eine beispielhafte Darstellung des Plasmareaktors und der dazu erforderlichen Parameter zum Betrieb desselben; und
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung einer möglichen Ausführungsform der Anordnung zur Behandlung von Objekten mit Plasma bzw. reaktiven Spezien.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration. Show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a possible selection of substances (organic substances) that can be present on the surface of the object;
• 2 a schematic representation of the treatment of an object with a plasma and its transfer to the environment;
• 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention for treating objects with a plasma or reactive species;
• 4th a schematic representation of an object with a condensate film condensed from the surface;
• 5 an exemplary representation of the plasma reactor and the parameters required to operate the same; and
• 6th a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the arrangement for treating objects with plasma or reactive species.

Identical reference symbols are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figures.

1 shows a schematic representation of the substances (organic substances) that may be present on the object (not shown here). The organic substances include, but are not limited to, odors (odor molecules), dyes, hormones, pesticides, or microorganisms.

2 shows a schematic representation of the treatment of an object 2 with a plasma 20th or reactive species 21st to decontaminate the surface of the object 2S (please refer 4th ) to achieve. The plasma 20th or the reactive species 21st are made using a plasma generator 1 generated. That during the treatment in the chamber 10 remaining plasma 20th or the reactive species 21st are from the plasma generator 1 again to generate plasma 20th or of reactive species 21st used. After treatment (exposure time) with the plasma 20th or the reactive species 21st can the object 2 the normal environment 12th get abandoned. It is beneficial if the object 2 with very moist plasma 20th or the reactive species 21st is treated. The wet plasma 20th or the reactive species 21st accelerate and improve the treatment, since with suitable adjustment of the parameters of the arrangement, the moist plasma 20th or the reactive species 21st on a surface 2S of the object 2 condense and thus all areas of the surface 2S of the object 2 can be achieved. The treatment essentially affects a surface 2S of at least one object 2 . The improvements or accelerations are achieved in the treatment of food, in the breakdown of fungal infestation on the surface, in the breakdown of pesticides, in the reduction of odors, in the bleaching of organic colors or in the removal of bacteria from the packaging of food. The table below shows the oxidation potential of the various molecules or radicals formed in the moist plasma: Oxidation potential [eV] (standard oxidation potential) F ₂ fluorine 3.06 *OH Hydroxyl radical 2.8 *O Atomic oxygen 2.42 O ₃ ozone 2.08 H ₂ O ₂ Hydrogen peroxide 1.77 HClO Hypochlorous acid 1.49 Cl ₂ Clor 1.36 ClO ₂ Chlorine dioxide 1.27 O ₂ oxygen 1.23

3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention 50 for handling objects 2 with a plasma 20th or reactive species 21st . The order 50 includes the plasma generator 1 , which is a source of energy 51 assigned. The energy source 51 can comprise a heat source, a heat sink, an electrical potential or light (hυ). The energy source 51 works in suitably on the plasma generator 1 or plasma reactor in order to generate a plasma according to the specified parameters and to set the required dew point or the dew point temperature.

The plasma generator 1 has at least one input 1E formed over which a metering unit 6th with the plasma generator 1 connected is. Via the dosing unit 6th can use the plasma generator 1 Additives such as B. H ₂ O, O ₂ , N ₂ , trace gas, salts, acids and / or organic compounds are supplied. The dosing unit 6th serves to set the input mix for the plasma generator 1 and the dew point of the plasma formed 20th or the reactive species 21st .

The plasma generator 1 has an exit 1A over which the plasma 20th from the plasma generator 1 to another dosing unit 14th arrives, which can be designed as a metering valve, dispenser valve, dispenser nozzle, opening or outlet. Via the dispenser valve 14th become the contact chamber 10 or a contact area 52 the excited additives, such as H ₂ O, O ₂ , N ₂ , O ₃ , H ₂ O ₂ , OH, HNO ₃ , HNO ₂ , NOX and / or organic compounds are supplied.

For the treatment of the object 2 in the contact chamber 10 or in the contact area 52 parameters such as B. Time (length of stay of the object 2 in the contact chamber 10 or in the contact area 52 ), Temperature (temperature in the contact chamber 10 or in the contact area 52 ), Dose the on the object 2 active, stimulated additives, pH value and / or the dew point (temperature at the surface 2S of the object 2 ) adjusted so that the dew point is on the surface 2S of the object 2 is fallen below. By falling below the dew point on the surface 2S of the object 2 a uniform film of condensate forms 13 on the surface 2S of the object 2 out. This ensures that all areas of the surface 2S of the object 2 from the plasma 20th or the reactive species 21st can be achieved, resulting in an effective decontamination of the surface 2S of the object 2 can be achieved (not shown).

After treating the object 2 with the plasma 20th or the reactive species 21st becomes the object 2 via an extraction lock 53 from the contact chamber 10 or the contact area 52 taken. The object treated accordingly 2 can be the regular environment 12th are fed. In the removal lock 53 can include parameters such as degradation time of the reactive species 21st , Ventilation and / or drying of the object 2 can be set. The contact area 52 in which the plasma 20th or the reactive species 21st on the surface 2S of the object 2 condensed, can as a self-contained area in the form of the contact chamber 10 be trained. It is also conceivable that the object to be treated 2 the other dosing unit 14th at the exit 1A of the plasma generator 1 is provided. In this possible embodiment, the plasma generator is located 1 and the object to be treated 2 in a common contact chamber 10 (please refer 6th ). The plasma 20th or the reactive species 21st comes directly from the further dosing unit 14th at the exit 1A of the plasma generator 1 to the contact area 52 around the object 2 to condense.

In 4th is for example an object 2 shown, its surface 2S with the plasma 20th or the reactive species 21st should be treated. The object 2 is an apple, but this should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. As already mentioned at the beginning, the object 2 be a variety of objects that have regular or irregularly shaped surfaces 2S have. So that the moist plasma 20th with the multitude of reactive species 21st on the surface 2S of the object 2 can precipitate, the dew point or the dew point temperature of the moist plasma 20th with the reactive species 21st can be set. It is also advantageous if the object 2 on one edition 18th with perforations (not shown) or on the support 18th is held with as few support points (not shown) as possible, thus the moist plasma 20th with the reactive species largely on the entire surface 2S of the object 2 can knock down.

It is also conceivable that the object 2 during treatment with the moist plasma 20th with the reactive species 21st is rotated in itself so that every section of the surface 2S of the object to the moist plasma 20th with the reactive species 21st is exposed.

5 shows an exemplary representation of the plasma generator 1 (Plasma reactor) in which the moist plasma 20th with the reactive species 21st is produced. About the wet plasma 20th with the reactive species 21st To obtain a given dew point temperature and the desired composition, a number of parameters must be observed. The plasma generator 1 is z. B. Air at a predetermined rate via an inlet 1E (the rate can e.g. be from 0 - 1 l / min). Likewise, the plasma generator 1 via another or the same input 1E Water can be supplied at a predetermined rate (the rate may, for example, be 0-1 g / min). It goes without saying for a person skilled in the art that the ranges given represent only an example, and not a limitation of the invention should be understood. If the plasma generator 1 for example, an output for generating the moist plasma 20th with the reactive species 21st is supplied, this is composed of a thermal power dQ _th and an electrical power dQ _e .

The example below shows that the power required for an output temperature T _out of 100 ° C of the plasma 20th with the reactive species 21st with a 1: 1 ratio between water and air, 100W is required.

The following applies to air: $$1.18\text{G}/60\text{s}*2\text{J}/\left(\text{G}*\text{K}\right)*80\text{K}=3.14\text{W.}$$

For water (I): $$1\text{G}/60\text{s}*4.18\text{J}//\text{G}*\text{K})=5.57\text{W.}$$

For water (g): $$1\text{G}/60\text{s}*2260\text{J}/\text{G}=37.7\text{W.}$$

The total power P _total = 46 W, so that the power loss P _loss = 54 W.

From the plasma generator 1 becomes the moist plasma 20th with the reactive species 21st via the further dosing unit 14th the contact chamber 10 (please refer 3 ) or a contact area 52 (please refer 6th ) to treat the object 2 with the wet plasma 20th and the reactive species 21st fed.

The plasma 20th alone and / or the plasma 20th with the reactive species 21st Depending on the composition and the direct, semi-direct or indirect effect, the object can be in different ways 2 influence.

In the direct application is the plasma 20th in direct contact with the object 2 . The interaction with the object 2 based on radiation (VUV, UV), charged molecules, radicals and reactive particles. Examples of direct application are e.g. B., a jet plasma or a plasma that is generated by means of dielectric barrier discharge.

In the semi-direct application, the distance A is between the exit of the plasma at the plasma generator 1 and the object 2 dimensioned such that it is greater than the mean free path. There is therefore no direct interaction between the charged particles of the plasma and the object 2 in front. The antimicrobial effect is brought about by radiation, long-lasting radicals and metastable and inhibitory substances. Examples for the semi-direct application is a semi-dielectric barrier discharge with a distance A to the object 2 or the Sterrad process, which relates to low temperature sterilization with hydrogen peroxide (not shown).

With the indirect method, there are two possible methods. In the first method, the object is irradiated 2 with UV or VUV light. The plasma is enclosed in the UV or VUV transparent reactor. The object 2 consequently has no interaction with charged particles. The plasma formed in UV lamps emits the UV light required for sterilization. In the second method, the plasma is used for gas or liquid treatment. Examples of the application are e.g. B., an ozone generator for drinking water preparation or PLexc processed air (PPA).

As a possible embodiment (see 4th ), which cannot be construed as limiting the invention, becomes an object 2 (such as apple) treated with the effect of the reactive species 21st on the object 2 indirect and / or semi-direct. The reactive species 21st act in a thin condensate film even after the active exposure phase. The thermal load on the object 2 remains low, as the volume of the object even with brief exposure to an active atmosphere 2 is hardly heated. Is z. B. a thin predominantly aqueous film on the surface 2S of the object 2 deposited, even a film about 1 µm thick shows a considerable effect on the chemical compounds and biological species on the surface 2S . For example, the total heat of condensation raised to 100 cm ^{2 of} the surface 2S of the object 2 is released, only 20y be. As a result, an object weighing 100 g would only be heated by approx. 0.1 K.

However, the surface can 2S of the object 2 at the moment of condensation with a layer thickness of up to 1 µm a temperature jump up to that in the contact chamber 10 experience the prevailing dew point temperature. All reactive species are at work during these condensation processes 21st particularly effective with the surface 2S .

6th shows a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the arrangement for treating objects 2 with reactive species 21st going through a plasma 20th were stimulated. The plasma 20th is preferably an atmospheric cold plasma, non-equilibrium plasma, or DBE (dielectrically hindered discharge). The plasma power is between 10W and 1000W, preferably 100W. The thermal power is between 10W and 1000W, preferably 100W.

In a contact chamber 10 is a plasma generator 1 (Plasma reactor) provided, by means of which the generation of a plasma 20th and / or reactive species 21st can be carried out. The composition of the reactive species 21st depends on the object to be treated 2 . The object to be treated 2 is in the embodiment shown here on a movement device 3 positioned. The movement device 3 can take various possible configurations, such as B. a turntable, a linear movement mechanism or a 3-dimensional movement mechanism. The movement device 3 is via a drive unit 4th moved in a suitable manner, so that the entire surface as possible 2S of the object 2 for the reactive species 21st is accessible. A control unit 5 is with several elements that are responsible for setting and / or maintaining the conditions in the contact chamber 10 are necessary connected. The elements include a dosing unit 6th , a circulation fan 16 , another dosing unit 14th , the plasma generator 1 , a source of energy 51 of the plasma generator 1 (not shown), at least one sensor 15th , the drive unit 4th , a heating / cooling 9 , a filter unit 8th that to the environment 12th leads, as well as a door lock 7th that to the environment 12th leads. The dosing unit 6th is with the plasma generator 1 via its at least one entrance 1E connected so that the substances such. B. air, water and / or other active additives can be supplied. The active additives consist of organic acids, alcohols and hydrogen peroxide. The plasma generator 1 assigned energy source 51 serves to stabilize the temperature in the plasma generator 1 which can be done by heating or cooling.

A dosing unit 14th , which is designed in the form of a dispenser valve, is the plasma generator 1 assigned so that there is a dispensing of the in the plasma generator 1 generated reactive species 21st into the contact chamber 10 he follows. The movement device 3 serves to expose the object evenly 2 with reactive species 21st . A reactive condensate film is deposited 13 from reactive species 21st on the surface 2S of the property 2 . Via a condensate trap 11 the excess condensate is separated from the contact chamber 10 . The ventilation or regulated ventilation of the contact chamber 10 takes place via a filter unit 8th (Filter system). The filter unit 8th is made up of activated carbon or comprises catalytically active material for the breakdown of reactive species 21st or by-products such as B. Ozone and nitrogen oxides and hydrogen peroxide.

For drying the object 2 is z. B. the door lock 7th another one for heating / cooling 9 assigned. The door lock 7th is provided with a locking device (not shown) to prevent active exposure of the object 2 with the reactive species 21st to block an opening.

The at least one sensor 15th is used to monitor the interior (temperature, humidity, gas composition). The circulation fan 16 serves to mix the gas phase in the contact chamber 10 . The control unit 5 is used for process control and process monitoring and is communicative with the movement device 3 , the drive unit 4th , the dosing unit 6th , the energy source 51 of the plasma generator 1 , the dispenser valve 14th , the circulation fan 16 , the at least one sensor 15th , the heating / cooling 19th the door lock 7th and the door lock 7th connected.

In the contact chamber 10 can cause abrupt changes in pH on the surface of the object 2 , brief temperature jumps on the surface 2S of the object 2 , the expression of a reactive (oxidative) condensate film 13 on the surface 2S of the object 2 and the exposure of the object 2 monitored with reactive oxygen species.

The arrangement according to the invention and the method according to the invention are used essentially for the decontamination of food.

The invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments. It goes without saying, however, for a person skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

List of reference symbols

1

Plasma generator

1A

output

1E

entrance

2

object

2S

Surface of the object

3

Movement device

4th

Drive unit

5

Control unit

6th

Dosing unit

7th

Door lock

8th

Filter unit

9

Heating / cooling

10

Contact hammer

11

Condensate separator

12

Surroundings

13

Condensate film

14th

further dosing unit

15th

sensor

16

Circulation fan

18th

Edition

20th

plasma

21st

reactive species

50

arrangement

51

Energy source

52

Contact area

A.

distance

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102008037898 A1 [0004]
• DE 10036550 A1 [0005]
• DE 102015119369 A1 [0006]
• EP 3085244 A1 [0007]
• US 2017/112157 A1 [0008]
• DE 102014213799 A1 [0009]
• DE 102005061247 A1 [0010]
• DE 102009025864 A1 [0011]
• DE 102015204753 A1 [0012]

Claims (10)

An arrangement for decontaminating a surface (2S) of at least one object (2), comprising a plasma generator (1) to which at least one input (1E), one output (1A) and an energy source (51) is assigned, characterized in : • a Contact chamber (10) which is fluidly connected to at least one metering unit (14) of the plasma generator (1); • a dosing unit (6) which is fluidly connected to the plasma generator (1) via the at least one input (1E), so that substances for generating reactive species (21) can be fed to the plasma generator (1); and • a support (18) in the contact chamber (10) for receiving the object (2), which is provided opposite the dosing unit (14) so that the reactive species (21) exiting the dosing unit (14) controlled a uniform condensate film ( 13) on a surface (2S) of the object (2). Arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the reactive species (21) entering the contact chamber (10) from the dosing unit (14) have a dew point temperature which is greater than an object temperature. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a movement device (3) for receiving the object (2), which is provided in the contact chamber (10) and moves the object (2) in such a way that the uniform condensate film (13) of reactive species ( 21) can be formed on the surface (2S) of the object (2). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance (A) between the object (2) and the dosing unit (14) is adjustable in order to allow the object (2) positioned on the support (18) and to be treated with respect to the dosing unit ( 14) to be positioned. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plasma generator (1) is provided outside the contact chamber (10). A method for decontaminating surfaces of objects (2) with reactive species (21), characterized by the following steps: • that at least one object (2) is positioned on a support (18) in a contact chamber (10); • that substances are fed to a plasma reactor (1) from a metering unit (6), with reactive species (21) being formed therefrom in the plasma reactor (1); • that the reactive species (21) are brought into the contact chamber (10) via a further dosing unit (14) assigned to the plasma reactor (1), an input mixture and the dew point temperature being set via the dosing unit (14); and • that the dew point temperature of the reactive species (21) at the transition from the dosing unit (14) to the contact chamber (10) is set in such a way that the dew point temperature is greater than a temperature of the object (2), so that a uniform condensate film (13) is formed on the surface (2S) of the object (2). Procedure according to Claim 6 , wherein the support (18) is a movement device (3) with which the at least one object (2) to be treated is moved during the treatment period with the reactive species (21) in order to move the uniform condensate film (13) of the reactive species (21 ) on the surface (2S) of the object (2). Method according to one of the preceding Claims 6 to 7th wherein the plasma generator (1) is assigned an energy source (51) with which the temperature in the plasma generator (1) is stabilized by additional heating or cooling. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 6 to 8th , wherein after the treatment of the object (2) with the reactive species (21), the object (2) is brought into a door lock (7) for drying, which has a further heating / cooling system (9) with which the temperature for drying can be set in the door lock (7). Method according to one of the preceding Claims 6 to 9 , wherein a control unit (5) is communicatively connected to several elements for setting and / or maintaining the conditions in the contact chamber (10), the elements being the metering unit (6), a circulation fan (16), the further metering unit (14) , the plasma generator (1), the energy source (51) of the plasma generator (1), at least one sensor (15), the drive unit (4), the heating / cooling (9), a filter unit (8) and a door lock (7).

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